By Harry Ballsonue

IN NO WAY DO THE TOMCATS WISH TO DOWN PLAY THE COVID-19 BUT THIS ARTICLE IS FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT….

So everyone is self-actualizing or in a self-gratification stage, which I understand, I as well am not going into the St. Felix Offices and I am writing this from my home in Bleinham, Ontario. I live on a 24 acre farm, and have three holes for golf that I made out of some of the farm land, I have  a 432 yard par 4 to start, then I have a 167 yard par 3, then coming back I have a 579 yard par five. and I can do it three times over again from different points on the tee box and play 9, which I hope to do once the warmer weather gets here.  Last week on Friday when it was nice, I set up the pins and have placed the tee off boxes in place, so I am ready to go.  I don’t get a chance to do this too often, with covering the amazing ball hockey club, the Windsor Tomcats.

With most of us at home and not working, the Tomcats included, if they had their own facility and not counting on the Kapusta Kow Palace, they could be playing now, three times a week instead of just once a week.  They should play on Monday, Tuesday and then hold a practice Thursday morning, have lunch, hang out, play ping pong, darts, pool, and then play Thursday night.

Even now, with special permission they could all meet at the Kapusta Kow Palace, park their cars in the parking lot, board a bus, the bus can drive to Leamington, Kingsville, then back to the Kapusta Kow and they can get off the bus and go and play and make it like a road trip game.  Lots can be done, when you have time and you don’t have to be working, rushing your kids to a practice of some sort.  I have to wonder, (and of course if the wife is not telling you social distance instead of using the headache excuse) how many newborns will there be in 9 months.  November December January babies?  Chico comes to hockey in September and says, “hey guess what”? and so does Rocky and Chevy.  My hats off to them boys.

In reality though, no more than 5 people together, that is actually needed to stop the COVID -19.  Experts can’t really predict anything right now.  Be safe, do the self-isolation and be polite if you do go out, there are a lot of crazy people out there buying toilet paper??????….Gas is selling for 78 cents a litre.  Did YOU ever think you would see that again?

RAKE TO THE RESCUE
The Rake has told me that if anyone needs anything, to contact him, he is willing to help. Tomcat spirit is alive and well.

THE BILL BUKSA MEMORIAL KAPUSTA OPEN

“For what you get, it is an amazing deal”, stated Snowpants, the Minster of Golf and Pyrotechnics for the Windsor Tomcats.  “If you have never played in this tournament, you must, you simply must”, indicated Sheep Dog a one time Champion of this event.

TOMCAT OPEN
Keep your ear to the rail road for the Snowpants train to give you updates…just keep the date for now, Saturday June 13, 2020, 8:30 am start.

KOBASSA GOLF TOURNAMENT
Stevo is indicating that he now has 8 participants for the Kobassa Open, they are: The Rake, Snowpants, Sheep Dog, Bagz, Soupy, May Day, Bundura and Stevo. “I am very excited to get this inaugural event under way, right now we have 4 solid teams of two and looking for more players, but hell, we got 8 and that is good start with the tournament still being 4 months away”. Stevo Said and added,  “You don’t have to pay me right now for the ‘after party’ you just have to let me know you are in and I will hold a spot for you”, stated a beaming Stevo.

THE DIRTY GROWLER MR. GORDON GOLF LEAGUE
Mayday wants everyone to know that the golf league will be starting up again as soon as the nicer weather gets here.  Monday’s are the day and two to three courses will be selected throughout the years play.  Playing in one round qualifies you for the year end banquet.  Watch for an email from the Commissioner himself.

Rocky Magic
Did you know Rocky does magic?  Watch and see:

While you are checking out the cabbage wrapped around the golf ball and thinking to yourself, ‘wow, that’s pretty clever’, do you think I could put my Harry Ballsonue

“Asking the question ‘are we doing enough’ regularly and repeatedly is critical” Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead, World Health Organization, infectious disease epidemiologist.

Tomcat management is hoping everyone is doing well and taking care of themselves and their families.

“No hockey for next three weeks as of now, it may be longer depending what the people at the Kapusta Kow Palace tell us” stated Rocky, President of the Windsor Tomcats.

In the mean time, some Tomcats continue to work out, some are just relaxing…

Falcon keeping up the workouts with the kids in the driveway, waiting for the all clear!

Jr Falcon, donning the equipment prepping himself for a call up

Stevo and his brother are taking the time to visit the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix Arizona ..” being a botanical enthusiast I was delighted to go and see the incredible display “ stated Hollywood

Some of the Tomcats decided to enjoy themselves during the break before heading into self isolation

TOMCAT GOLF Tomcat Golf Tournament is on Saturday June 13, 2020, please count on being there. 8:30 start, cost and such to be provided by Snowpants once the golf season begins.

KOBASSA OPEN Any and All Tomcats are invited to participate in this inaugural event, being hosted by Stevo on Friday July 17, it does cost $10 to get in, but that includes your food and beverages back at Stevo’s where the awards ceremony will be held.

Covid 19 is a new strain of coronavirus originated in Wuhan, China, with scientist believing that the outbreak started at a seafood market in December. Scientists think that the source of the outbreak was an animal and it’s been postulated that the virus could have spread to humans via, bats, snakes or even pangolins, although it’s not yet known for sure which type of animal was the source. In February, the World Health Organization, announced that the disease, previously known as ‘novel coronavirus’ wold be officially be named Covid-19.  The disease is also commonly referred to as simply ‘coronavirus’ because Covid-19 is a new strain belonging to the coronavirus group of viruses. (source: Metro.co.uk (news…but not as you know it) )

While you are wondering what a pangolin is, do you think I could put my Harry Ballsonue

TOMCAT NOTE:  If you are somewhere, near or far and want to share with the Tomcats how you are/ what you are doing during this down time, please send your photos to Stevo.  No nudies please, its a family web site.

Due to the spread of coronavirus, the Tomcats have decided to do our part and cancel hockey for the next 3 weeks (minimum). The BoD will monitor the situation and decide we come back for the final 2 weeks of the season or just hold off until the fall of 2020.

Stay safe

Stay beautiful

Tomcats forever!

And the things that we fear are a weapon to be held against us…NP

Due to continued escalation of the coronavirus outbreak, and in conjunction with other major professional sport leagues (NHL, NBA, MLS, etc.), the Windsor Tomcats took the extreme measure of barring fans from attending Tuesday night’s game.  It is the first time in Tomcat History that a game was played without a single soul in the stands.  “Very odd atmosphere I must say…to walk out to the playing surface and not have legions of fans chanting my name was quite weird and a little eerie,” said a disappointed Snowpants.  “We feel bad for the fans, but it is the right call to make given the current situation that is grappling the world,” added Bullwinkle.  Coach Sealion noted, “It was a shame for the Tomcat fans to miss out watching Bullwinkle notch a 4-goal evening.”

The Teams:
Soupy’s Smallpox – Soupy, Terror, Killer, Bulldog, Bullwinkle, Shack, Rocky and Jingles
LaBamba’s Leprosy – LaBamba, Falcon, Kamikaze, Snowpants, Sparky, Chevy, Cribzie, Chico and Muffins

New guy, who started the night as Mittens, and finished as Muffins, made his Tomcat debut, and proved to be Tomcat worthy, despite his selection of shorts, socks and shirt.  “Muffins showed quickness and good feel for the flow of the game, but will take some time to learn the nuances of Tomcat hockey and the Kapusta playing surface,” indicated Chico.

The first Google image when Searching Mittens and Muffins

Overall, good hockey and evenly matched teams.  However, at the end of both games, the Leprosy were victorious by the scores of 10-8 and 6-5 respectively.

Next Week:
So next week is March Break, and Tuesday is St. Patrick’s day.  Already, 7 Tomcats are out and 2 more 50/50.  Please let Rocky know ASAP if you plan to be out next week.  If too many more drop, we may have to cancel hockey next week.  An email will be sent out reminding of this.  Rocky will not be playing and the book is with Sparky, who will.

Golf, Golf and more Golf…
Kapusta Open:
See poster below and let the Turk know if you are interested in playing May 30th and Ambassador Golf Club:

Kobassa Open – July 17th
Stevo is organizing a new tournament this year.  A two man scramble, called the Kobassa Open…not the Keilbassa Open.  Cost is $10 to enter, plus the golf cost.  $10 will get you dinner and drinks after golf at Stevo’s place.  There will also be first place prizes for the winners.  If interested, get $10 to Stevo for your spot.  The tournament needs an even amount of guys to make it a go (2-man scramble, if you understand the concept).  I should be a fun day, it’s a Friday in the summer so why not join?

Tomcat Golf Tourny – June 13th
Snowpants, the Minister of Golf and Pyrotechnics has nothing further for us at this time, but keep the date open.  It will be at Sutton Creek and will also be a 2-Man Scramble.

Last Week of Hockey:
Our final Tuesday will be April 14th.  Tomcats are thinking maybe making that night Potluck.  Bullwinkle will bring some of his homemade sausage.  Looking for others to volunteer to bring something so we can drink up the rest of the beer and end 2019-2020 on a high note.

Board of Directors:
Per usual, the BoD meeting will occur two weeks after the last night at Casa de Rocky.  That is April 28th this year.  6:30pm, just like hockey.  Any Tomcat can take part, not just the official BoD members (Rocky, Hollywood, Sparky, Sunny, Doc, Soupy, Kamikaze, Jingles, Snowpants).  Bullwinkle has already showed interest.  If you have ideas, and want to be part of the future, then take part and help make decisions.  Let Rocky know if you are interested.

by Management

Bartenders: Terror (24) Bullwinkle (12)

Between the Pipes:  Chico, The Falcon, Terror

First Stringers:  Bullwinkle, Snowpants, Soupy, Chevy, Sparky, Jingles, Shack, La Bamba, Cribzie, Kamikaze, Killer, El Chopo, Bulldog, Big Ned, Rocky, Squid, Chico’s buddy

Healthy Scratches:  Kramdon, Bagz, Sheep Dog, May Day, The Anvil, Stevo, Hollywood, Frostbite, Beep, The Lizard, Tunzie, Matador, Sunny, Tonto

On IR:  Skippy, The Turk, Big Easy, The Rake, The Hurricane, Doc (listed as day to day)

Low Down:  20 players as of now.  Getting close to no mini, but still a mini as of right now.  Please let Rocky know if you are listed as in, but not able to play this Tuesday.

TOMCATS FOREVER !

by Harry Ballsonue

“Is it bye, buy or by, I don’t know” Harry Ballsonue

Now that everyone has had a chance to rub Volteren on themselves for the past few days and or CBD oil or Rub A5-35, I bring you some photos and a small round up from the tournament.

Three teams were tied with 4 points, Jingle Jets, Stevo Knights and the Bulldog Pelee Islanders.  Chico’s team had zero points (they missed Lovie for sure for sure).

GAMES:
Bulldog 2  Jingles 1
Chico 1     Stevo 4
Chico 1     Bulldog 6
Stevo 3     Jingles 6
Stevo 6     Bulldog 1
Jingles 4   Chico 0
FINAL:  Jingles 7 Stevo 4

The 2020 Bulldog Pelee Islanders

The 2020 Jingle Jets (Stanley’s Cup Winners)

The 2020 Stevo Knights

The 2020 Chico Thunder Buddies

Overall a very good fair, well played tournament.  No issues at all, there were a few goals called back, but that is what happens in the world of professional ball hockey.

Soupy and Kamikaze picked the absolute perfect candidate for the MVP…Shack.  He was very deserving of the award. “I slept with the trophy, I don’t mind saying,” Shack had told me in a telephone conversation.

The refs did an outstanding job, thanks again to the Mac, Gingerbread Man and Hollywood.

When it came to the final game, the Jingle Jets seemed to over power the older Stevo Knights.  After tying up the Jets 2-2, they gave up 2 late goals and then it was 4-2 after the first.  “Those late goals really hurt us, at the end of the first period,” stated Tunzie.  The final 7-4 was well deserved.

“My favourite moment you ask,” asked Matador, “When we sing ’Tomcats Forever,’ what else would it be?” the Matador asked grinning, like a butchers dog.

Hockey starts up Tuesday, March 10th.  Last night of hockey is Tuesday April 14th.

Rocky to announce when the Board of Directors meeting will take place at the end of hockey season.

Golf is June 13th for the Tomcat Open.  The new event, the Kobassa Open is July 17th with a party to follow at Stevo’s.

Rest up and be ready for March 10th.  As of that date, only 6 weeks of hockey left.

TOURNAMENT MEMORIES

Typical tournament action, you can see it on the faces of the players.

“No matter what team you are on in the tournament, we are all brothers” The Terror

Bobby Orr? Denis Potvin? Ray Bourgue? No, better than all those guys, it’s Sparky!

MVP Shack, waving to his wife and kids in the stands

Who cares the play is going on…let’s pose for a picture

In the end, a cold beer, great friends, a million dollar smile and Stanley’s Cup!

Goodbye until next year…from the parking lot.

By Harry Ballsonue

“Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful” Alexandra Hillary Jaworiwsky

What a great tournament, Jingle Jets vs. the Stevo Knights in the final.  The Jets took the final 7-4.  “This is a very exciting time for me personally and the team, I am so proud of them, Tweetie Bird and Big Ned playing against their fathers, Eagle and Stevo, and younger cousin Soupy against older mentor cousin Sunny.  You have to love all the story lines,” stated Jingles

2020 Stanley’s Cup Champions, the Jingle Jets

“I am very happy how everything went today, the guys did great!  Special thanks to the refs, The GingerBread Man and Hollywood, and time/score keeper Mac, they did a great job as well.  And to all the goalies and to Soupy and Kamikaze for organizing such a fantastic tournament.  Also thanks to Jingles for the pizza and to Big Ned for setting up the bar down stairs and then bringing the beer back up to the Tomcat room, and to Hollywood for organizing the t-shirts.  What a great job on the Tomcat team t-shirt,” stated President Rocky.

2020 Windsor Tomcats

Tournament Highlights

The goalies were first to arrive to start their pre-game rituals.

The intensity and determination is exhibited here in this photo by Bullwinkle

Future of the Tomcats…Cup’o’ Soupy. “No slap shot here,” said Cup’o’Soupy!

Extremely well deserved MVP for Shack. “This is an honour…I don’t know what else to say,” said Shack…fighting back tears.

Bullwinkle with Miss Canada 2018 and Miss Canada 2005

The leftovers…sometime people don’t love leftovers…but how can you not love these leftovers?

Several Tomcats hit the Essex Legion and was there? Ex-Tomcat Libs! “To run into these guys is an incredible privilege…I watched the games this afternoon and bam…four of them walk in with me…I’m dreaming,” said Libs.

NO HOCKEY
There is no hockey on Tuesday…take time to rest your body before we come back. We return in full force on March 10th.

If this picture does not exhibit what the Tomcats are all about, we don’t know what would, Squid Comforts Frost Bite

While you are checking out the full team picture and the two beautiful ladies with Bullwinkle, do you think I could put my Harry Ballsonue?